Pageants conjure up images of gorgeous gowns, sparkling tiaras and dozens of pretty girls and women all vying for the top title. Since the initial conception, beauty pageants have evolved into a spectacular show where glamor reigns supreme. Most importantly, the decorations must convey this image through careful design and execution. Having a good eye for color and design is key to the work.
Selecting a Theme
To get an idea of decorate for a beauty pageant, consider whether the pageant should have a theme. A theme can help in making the pageant's decorations look concise and uniform. There are a variety of themes to choose from, such as a Hawaiian Luau or Winter Wonderland themes.
Working With Space
Once a theme is selected, consider the venue you are working with to hold the pageant. Is there a runway or a stage? Does it all need to be constructed? Size is also important in determining how many decorations you would need to fill the space. If it is a small space, try to keep the decorations to a minimal. Just strategically place flowers or colored balloons in certain areas of the room. Have fun with glitter crafts to add some shimmer to the decorations.
Cost vs. Rewards
Fabric will need to be purchased for the runway and materials for an archway on the stage. An archway could get pricey, so if you are working with a small budget, you can forgo the arch. Just have a simple yet decorative backdrop that ties in with your theme. Also, consider how much you want to spend on crowns and banners for the winners. Some of these can even be homemade.
Plan Ahead
Manage your time wisely when deciding to decorate a pageant. There are a lot of elements that go into a pageant and you need an abundance of time to plan accordingly. Try to do your event planning at least eight months in advance if not more.
Do A Little Research
It's always a good idea to look at past pageants to see the logistics of the event. Notice the flow of the pageant's program and how the decorations were arranged to fit the event's theme.
History of Beauty Pageants
The modern beauty pageant's origin goes back to the Miss America Pageant, which was first held in Atlantic City in 1921 under the title "Inter-City Beauty Contest." The Miss America Pageant eventually included preliminary eliminations, evening gown competition and musical variety shows.
